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Makelele welcomes improving Ligue 1

The former Marseille midfielder, who also earned 71 caps for France, feels the gap is closing between Ligue 1 and the likes of La Liga and the English Premier League.

"For a time it (Ligue 1) was at the same level as Spain or England,'' Makelele told the Ligue 1 website.

"The level dropped a little bit because a lot of players, the best French players, moved to another country like Spain or England. I think now it's different.

"The big players are coming back to the country and that's making the level stronger.

"The way I am seeing it now, the big players are coming now and joining Ligue 1. We have a good example in Paris Saint-Germain.

"We have a lot of good players. I think the level is moving in a good way for the fans. I think it's been a long time since Ligue 1 has been such a hard competition. I think it's good for the French league.''

The 39-year-old went on to praise the ambition of PSG as the club look to establish themselves as a major force in Europe.

"The club have a lot of ambition," Makelele said.

"They want to reach the level of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea. I think the club is doing it in a good way. The coach (Carlo) Ancelotti has experience, he has won a lot of things.

"I think the experience he has of big competitions like the Champions League is a huge opportunity for Paris Saint-Germain. The objective for the club is to become like Manchester United and Real Madrid."